Board a bus for a 30-minute ride on the Haines Scenic Byway into the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to the river dock. On your narrated drive you will enjoy stories of the history of the valley. Where the road ends, the real Alaska begins and so does your adventure. Board your boat and part company with civilization. During your time on the Chilkat River, traverse many different channels and travel at least 20 miles into the wilderness.Your vessel is specially designed for navigation on this silt-laden river which is the only access to a remote, roadless portion of the preserve. Your open-topped boat allows you to view and photograph the majestic scenery and animals seen in an unhindered fashion. Warm outerwear and blankets will be provided. The staff is friendly and welcoming and will entertain you with tales of their backcountry lifestyle and some “real Alaska” stories. View bald eagles and their massive nests in their natural habitat.
The preserve has the best moose habitat in the valley and although there are no guarantees, the chances of spotting moose and bears are very good. Have your cameras ready in case the wildlife provides a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. After returning to the dock, you’ll enjoy a riverside picnic.
Note: We are able to accommodate dietary restrictions with a minimum of 48 hours of advanced notice, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc.
(~30 minutes) – Sign waivers, learn about tours and walk down to a small boat harbor to catch the fast ferry.
(~45 minutes) – Upon arrival in Haines, restrooms will be available and you’ll meet your guide and driver for a breathtaking drive up the Haines Scenic Byway to the jet boat launch.
(~40 minutes) – When you arrive at the boat launch you’ll meet up with the boat captain and swap out your shoes for rubber river boots. Your captain will provide you with a thorough safety briefing and you’ll don a PFD before boarding one of four boats docked at the launch.
(~90 minutes) – You’ll spend the next 90 minutes exploring different channels along the Chilkat River via jet boat.
(~30 minutes) – Upon arrival back at the boat launch you’ll enjoy a sack lunch and refreshments.
(~30 minutes) – A short drive back down the Haines Scenic Byway will bring you to the ferry for your comfortable and scenic ride back to Skagway.
(~10 minutes) – Arrive boat dock in Haines.
(~20 minutes) – Depart from the ferry and head to your boat.
Where will I meet my guide?
Your guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier where your ship docks at. Otherwise, the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign.
CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your guide will be holding a sign with the name of your tour.
Who are my tour guides?
Your tour guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained, and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonder of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff all go through extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certifications. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
Is there a bathroom?
Restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour, on the ferry during your travel to Haines, and restrooms at the start/finish of your jet boat tour.
Do you cancel due to the weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative excursion for the day.
What wildlife will I see?
Though wildlife can never be guaranteed on tour, bald eagles, moose, all five types of Pacific salmon, and brown and black bears frequent the area. Wildlife sightings depend on the time of the year and the area within Haines where the excursion takes place. Your guides will choose the best locations to help you maximize your wildlife viewing opportunity on the excursion.
Will there be any whitewater on the tour?
No – there will be no whitewater or rapids during the tour.
Is there a charge for infants (0-18 months)?
No, infants are not allowed. The minimum age to participate in the tour is 7 years old.
